Best foods to eat to avoid constipation during pregnancy

During pregnancy, many unpleasant "side effects" can crop up. Morning sickness, heartburn, and even early pregnancy fatigue are all well known. But, did you know that the digestive system and a person's metabolism slow down during pregnancy, due to hormones? This, and other factors like stress, can contribute to pregnancy constipation.

It comes as no surprise that foods play a big role in causing or preventing constipation. Do you want to stay on the right side of constipation during your nine months? You're lucky there are lots of things that pregnant women can do to avoid and to cure pregnancy constipation. Altering your diet can help! How?

Drinking plenty of clear fluids during pregnancy helps prevent lots of different pregnancy ailments, and constipation is definitely on the list. Staying hydrated is one of the biggest favors any pregnant woman can do herself, and it is at the top of the list when it comes to constipation too. Drink at least eight glasses of water or herbal teas, as these are the best liquids to drink during pregnancy. Eat whole-grain products instead of foods containing white flower. White flower is hard to digest and contributes to constipation. Red meats are another "constipation hazard". Try eating less bacon and steak. Chicken and fish don't have the same tendency to cause constipation.

Bran and fiber play a large role in preventing and curing constipation. Do remember to stay hydrated, because even bran can be counterproductive if you don't have enough water to drink. When it's already too late and you are constipated, prune juice is a well-known and hugely effective natural laxative. Eating lots of walnuts is another option, though you may have some cramps. Rhubarb and figs are natural laxatives as well. If you are near term, do call your doctor before taking even a natural laxative, because a very active digestive system can actually trigger labor in the last few weeks.